Sydenham Removals Modern Slavery Statement

This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps Sydenham Removals has taken, and is continuing to take, to ensure that modern slavery and human trafficking are not taking place within our business or our supply chains. We are committed to acting ethically, with integrity and transparency in all business dealings, and to implementing and enforcing effective systems and controls to safeguard individuals from any form of exploitation.

Our Zero-Tolerance Approach

Sydenham Removals maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, child labour and all related abuses of human rights. This commitment applies to every aspect of our operations, including our employees, contractors, agency staff and every organisation that forms part of our supply chain. We will not knowingly work with any party that engages in, or is unwilling to address, practices that are inconsistent with this policy.

All employees are required to act in accordance with our core values of respect, fairness and integrity. Managers are responsible for promoting these standards and ensuring that any concerns about potential exploitation are taken seriously and escalated promptly.

Our Business and Supply Chains

Sydenham Removals provides domestic and commercial removal and associated services. Our supply chains include providers of vehicles, fuel, packing materials, storage facilities, cleaning services, equipment maintenance, temporary labour and professional services. We recognise that certain areas of the removals and logistics sector may be at greater risk of labour exploitation, particularly where low-skilled or temporary work is involved.

We are committed to understanding these risks and focusing our efforts where they are most needed, while striving for continuous improvement across all suppliers, regardless of size or location.

Supplier Standards and Audits

We expect all suppliers, contractors and service providers to uphold the same high standards that we apply within our own business. As part of our procurement and onboarding processes, we assess prospective suppliers for their approach to labour practices, working conditions and human rights protections.

We are developing and maintaining a programme of supplier audits and assessments, proportionate to the level of risk posed by each supplier. These may include reviewing policies, requesting supporting documentation, conducting site visits where appropriate, and holding regular review meetings to discuss compliance. Where concerns are identified, we will seek corrective action plans with clear timescales, and we reserve the right to suspend or terminate relationships with suppliers that fail to meet our expectations or to demonstrate genuine efforts to remedy issues.

Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing

Sydenham Removals encourages a culture of speaking up. Employees, agency workers, contractors and suppliers are encouraged to raise any concerns about modern slavery or unethical practices at the earliest possible stage. Concerns can be raised with line managers, senior management or through existing internal reporting routes. Reports may be made confidentially, and all concerns will be treated seriously and investigated where appropriate.

We do not tolerate any form of victimisation or retaliation against individuals who raise concerns in good faith. Any such retaliation will be treated as a disciplinary matter and may result in appropriate action, up to and including termination of employment or contract.

Training and Awareness

We are working to increase awareness of modern slavery risks and indicators across Sydenham Removals. Relevant employees, particularly those involved in recruitment, procurement, site management and supplier relations, receive guidance on recognising signs of exploitation and on the correct procedures for escalating concerns. We aim to ensure that our people understand their responsibilities and feel confident in exercising them.

Monitoring, Governance and Annual Review

Responsibility for overseeing our modern slavery approach rests with the senior management team, which provides direction, resources and support to ensure that our commitments are effectively implemented. We regularly review our internal processes, supplier controls and risk assessments to keep pace with changing conditions and best practice.

This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed at least annually to evaluate its effectiveness and to identify opportunities for improvement. The review takes into account any incidents, investigations, audit findings, stakeholder feedback and changes in law or guidance. Updated versions of this statement are approved at senior level and made available to employees, suppliers and other interested parties.

Sydenham Removals remains firmly committed to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking in all forms and to working collaboratively with our workforce, suppliers and partners to uphold the dignity and rights of every individual connected to our operations.